Just naming them is scary and lately there are many newspaper headlines that are bringing them to the attention of the general public, but what do we really know about PFASalso known as “eternal pollutants“? To try to clarify and disseminate in the most objective way possible all the various aspects and implications of a truly complex topic, the second season of the podcast returns today “Hey Erica, let’s talk about PFAS” wanted by Erica Srl precisely to try to explore one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time, being a problem that affects over 17,000 sites in Europe.
After a successful first season, characterized by the presence of the virtual assistant Erica who guided the listeners by answering the most frequently asked questions about PFAS with direct and accessible language, the second season resumes the thread of the narrative, however offering a new, more in-depth and articulated. But above all a new format capable of guaranteeing a broader exploration, through a series of interviews with sector experts, activists and institutional representatives conducted by Edward SlavikR&D Manager of Erica Srl, who during the presentation conference which took place today in Milan declared:
Dissemination on the topic of PFAS is crucial to create awareness and inform the population about the risks of these substances, in a balanced way and without alarmism. It is essential to promote transparency of companies that use PFAS and encourage more coherent and systemic public policies
Strengthened by the huge resources and investments in research on PFAS, since 2017 the company has been developing innovative technologies for the management of these compounds and obtaining three specific patents for the treatment of landfill leachate and now, through the recent creation of the Erica Foundationis trying to make its skills available in terms of scientific dissemination and training to try to promote dialogue between institutions, companies and citizens to resolve a crucial issue for a more sustainable future.
A journey through PFAS: from sources to health effects
And it is precisely with these objectives that the new 8 episodes of the podcast were produced, each focused on one of the aspects of the complex world of PFAS, an Anglo-Saxon acronym that includes the so-called perfluoroalkyl substances, chemical compounds with unique properties used in a vast range of daily products , from fabrics to cosmetics, from non-stick pans to fire-fighting foams. Their extreme persistence in the environment, as explained by Stefano Polesello (CNR-IRSA) in the first episode of the second season, made them known as “eternal pollutants.” While this stability has made them indispensable for many industrial applications, it has also transformed them into a persistent threat to ecosystems and human health.
The journey into the world of PFAS then continues with a greater focus on sources of pollution, such as the textile industries, and on possible alternatives. In fact, the episodes will analyze the main sources of PFAS pollution, with a focus on the role of industry. According to Barberogeneral director of ARPA Piemonte, will explain, for example, the importance of monitoring contaminated areas and the crucial role of institutions in protecting citizens, while Alberto Mantovania food safety expert, will delve into the risks linked to PFAS to human health, including damage to the immune system and risks to fertility, linking the topic to an integrated approach called “One Health,” which considers aspects of human, animal and environmental health to be interconnected.
The voice of citizens and industrial challenges
The second season of “Hey Erica” it will also give ample space to the voices of citizens who experience the impact of this pollution every day. Michela Piccoli and his daughter Maria Seccoactivists of the committee Moms No PFASwill share their life stories in a highly contaminated territory, recounting their struggle to obtain answers and concrete actions from the institutions. His testimony underlines the importance of widespread awareness and citizen mobilization to obtain concrete responses from institutions, and of constant vigilance to ensure that progress is maintained and strengthened.
The podcast will also address the industrial challenges of replacing PFAS in key sectors such as textiles, with contributions from Andrea Castrovinci (SUPSI) e Clemente Bottani (Giotto), who will discuss the difficulties in finding sustainable alternatives that maintain the effectiveness of the products.
Alice Pomiatoan environmental communicator, will instead explore how individual choices can contribute to reducing the impact of PFAS, promoting a more conscious lifestyle. Paolo CampanellaSecretary General of FEAD, will speak about the challenges of managing PFAS contaminated waste and the importance of a collaborative approach throughout the supply chain.
A special ending
The final episode of this season will be an exclusive moment, with Simona Falascaour director in charge who will interview Edward Slavikwith which it will try to take stock and sum up the most imminent challenges to be resolved, the progress made in the research and development of solutions to eliminate PFAS and the future prospects for combating this growing threat.
Listen to “Hey Erica” on all platforms
The second season of “Hey Erica, are we talking about PFAS?” is now available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. An unmissable podcast for those who want to be informed and aware of the environmental challenges linked to eternal pollutants and contribute to concrete change.
Listen to the new season here: Spotify.